What Water Quality Tests Should a Person Request?
There are several tests that can be conducted on a sample of potentially salt-affected water to determine its suitability for irrigating trees and shrubs. The more information that is available to the irrigator, the better the water quality interpretation that can be made. The following five tests are considered essential, and when evaluated together should provide a comprehensive overview of the suitability of a water source for irrigating tree and shrub plantings (see Analysis Reports 1 and 2 at the end of this document for examples of comprehensive water quality tests and interpretations for salt-affected water). Where Can a Person Have Their Water Sample Tested? For a list of analytical services near you, reference your local phone book, conduct an Internet search, or access the document “Soil, Plant and Water Analytical Laboratories for Montana Agriculture” located at the Montana State University Extension, Publications, Agriculture & Natural Resources – Fertilizers Webpage. When
